For more information and updates about how New Orleans is addressing the Covid-19 outbreak – including our Phase One Reopening Plan and businesses that are currently open – please visit our homepage Read More

Wedding Welcome Bags

Treats to Make Your Guests Feel Right at Home in New Orleans

We know how easy it is to get caught up in a whirlwind of seemingly endless decisions—from picking out the perfect wedding attire to securing a venue for your ceremony. Although your wedding day is all about you and your spouse-to-be, you can’t forget about the people who have traveled from a distance to support you both.

Wedding welcome bags make your New Orleans wedding all the more memorable for your traveling guests. And New Orleans is brimming with possibilities that make perfect and heartfelt surprises. With a culture unmatched, food unrivaled and traditions aplenty, New Orleans makes it easy to greet out-of-town guests with unique and unforgettable tokens of appreciation. Here are a few ideas on how to turn your wedding bags into a full-blown unique New Orleans welcome package.

Danny Clinch

A Second Line through the historic French Quarter

A Bit of History

New Orleans is a city of tradition. For generations, people have second-lined through the vibrant city streets; dancing with umbrellas and waving handkerchiefs in the air. Guests have strolled through the French Quarter time and time again only to end up at Café du Monde where they’ve experienced those sweet and savory beignets.

To give your guests a real sense of New Orleans’ rich history, try incorporating century-old New Orleans traditions in your welcome bags. Local print shops can help you add a personalized touch to handkerchiefs by embroidering a message and don’t forget to include a bag of Café du Monde beignet mix so your guests can bring a little taste of New Orleans back home.

Some Iconic Flair

The Fleur de Lis symbol and New Orleans go hand in hand. The symbol is omnipresent; seen in architecture throughout the city, on pieces of jewelry, flags and on the helmets of our beloved National Football Team, The New Orleans Saints.

For your guests' goody bags, combine the love of the Fleur de Lis with the city’s love of libations by gifting fleur-de-lis bottle openers. Not only will they come in handy on your big day, but when your guests return home to celebrate on their own, they’ll always be reminded of your New Orleans wedding.

A Delicious Addition

With a unique mix of Cajun, French, African and European influences, it is no surprise why New Orleans is famous for its one-of-a-kind cuisine. Why not borrow a tasty New Orleans recipe to add to your wedding welcome bags? From Shrimp and Grits to the classic Chicken & Andouille Gumbo, there are many dishes that would be perfect for your guests to try. And, don’t forget dessert! Let your guests satisfy their sweet tooth with any one of your favorite Big Easy sweet treats and send them off with a cocktail recipe so the party won’t end beyond the city limits. For a tailored touch, place the recipe of your choice on a luggage tag for each of your traveling guests.

The Defining Sound

It’s impossible to roam the city of New Orleans without the sound of music filling the air. Give the gift of music to your traveling guests by adding some blues music to your welcome bags. With legendary artists such as Fats Domino and Dr. John, New Orleans is filled with blues musicians and the Louisiana Music Factory has plenty of options for you to consider.

So, now that you’ve picked out the perfect goodies, how will you find the time to arrange them all into the perfect package? For the busy couple, don’t fret! The Basketry provides beautifully packaged gift baskets filled with New Orleans favorites. You can even customize the basket to make it perfect for your traveling guests and have it shipped directly to you.

Your guests will be so excited about your New Orleans wedding that they’ll want to know all the great things they can do while here to celebrate your big day. New Orleans & Company can assist with giving sample itineraries to keep guests busy throughout the stay. We can also provide you with complimentary French Quarter Walking Maps and Official New Orleans Visitors Guides, filled with information, ideas and special offers for your guests.

Free Hotel Quotes & Planning Assistance

Allow us to assist in contacting hotels, venues and vendors for your group accommodations of 10 or more. We can help make planning simpler and your dream wedding in New Orleans a reality.

We were named as a pick for The Knot - Best of Weddings 2020: an annual award representing the best wedding professionals across the country! Thank you for helping us become one of the best wedding destinations in the world!